"V/H/S" Franchise: 10 Best Segments.
The V/H/S franchise has earned the status of a powerhouse in horror, not only in regard to Found Footage. Going strong (V/H/S 99 was released a couple of days ago on Shrudder) and with no intention of stopping soon (V/H/S 85 is in the making and will be out at some point during next year), the series offer some of the most innovative, scary and genuinely disturbing sequences in horror due to the amount of segments within each entry.
But, taking into account the considerable number of segments presented throughout five entries (twenty five to be exact), which are the most prominent, creative and frightening ones?
10/31/98 - V/H/S
A very discrete number of Found Footage films depict likeable characters who you really get to care for; it seems like normative and intrinsic aspects to create disposable characters whose only function is to be slaughtered and terminated for entertainment purposes (yes, it's horror and the genre requires it but you get the point).
Despite being just a segment, 10/31/98 accomplishes what most full-length movies in the format seem incapable of achieving. Whether it is the innocence of the protagonists, or the fact that they do not deserve to be finished off that way, the main characters do a great job in making the viewer cheer for them to make it out alive and, of course, in providing amusement.
Make sure to check out here the alternate ending which offers a fairer ending, though a less scary one.
The Empty Wake - V/H/S 94
Following the huge dissapointment that was V/H/S: Viral, the franchise went through a much needed hiatus. We went from having a movie each year to being sure that the series was put down. Out of the blue, V/H/S 94 was announced (along with 99) and, with it, the excitement to finally behold a satisfactory comeback.
The Empty Wake may seem aloof for the franchise's standard (mainly because of its simplicity), but in that regard lies its biggest strenght. Without a doubt, the scariest one in 94.
A Ride In The Park - V/H/S 2
The second entry is the best one in the franchise (and by a wide and convincing margin). Notwithstanding the quality of all the segments in the movie, A Ride In The Park manages to stand out as a highlight for the whole series.
Funny, scary and very gory (even for the series' caliber), this segment might be the best exemplification of the franchise's nature and the most fun to watch along with 10/31/98 and the next one in the list.
To Hell And Back Again - V/H/S 99
Much like the occurrences between V/H/S 2 and V/H/S: Viral and the noticeable downgrade in quality, the relapsing took place now in the transition of V/H/S 94 and V/H/S 99. Clearly not quite the same (because 94 is not as good as 2 and 99 is not as bad as Viral), this installment could not live up to the hype triggered by the series' return to form.
However, To Hell And Back Again may be the most daring segment since Safe Haven (coming up in a few spots) alongside The Subject (V/H/S 94). I wish 99 had been just this and the Amateur Night's DLC (The Gawkers).
Amateur Night - V/H/S
The most famous segment in the franchise's history and a synonym of the brand, Amateur Night has everything any horror fan is longing for. Every single thing, from the introduction of the "antagonist" (who I would label as the protagonist, to be honest) to the very last moments, constitute, perhaps, the most well-crafted experience in the series ("perhaps" just because Safe Haven exists).
This segment also provides the most recognizable monster in all of the V/H/S universe. I like it.
Bonestorm - V/H/S: Viral
It's no secret that Viral is the lowest point in the whole series. No entry has ever gotten this close to being the downfall of a beloved franchise. Nevertheless, it does feature a segment that has all the necessary elements to ensure a spot in this list.
Brainstorm is the only rewatchable aspect in all of Viral (some claim Prallel Monsters as well, but it does not do the trick for me). Not scary, but highly entertaining and thrilling, this segment offers the only recognizable part of the V/H/S' DNA in an otherwise rather unrecognizable movie.
Tape 49 - V/H/S 2
People tend to forget that there used to be a tape which was deemed as a pivotal part in the movie's development (mainly because of its subtle usage in V/H/S 94 and its total absence in V/H/S 99). I mean, even Viral grasps the concept.
Yet, both introductory tapes corresponding to the first two installments are some of the best this universe has to offer. Tape 49 is the second scariest tape in V/H/S 2 (we are about the reach the first one) and, in spite of that, it still is criminally overlooked and underrated.
Safe Haven - V/H/S 2
If V/H/S 2 had been just this segment, it still would have been the best entry in the franchise. Just a handful of Found Footage films feature in their full run time what we get to experience in Safe Haven in approximately half an hour.
The segment offers no shortage of scares and action, in addition to a very daunting and compelling atmosphere that permeates the sequence.
There are a couple of experiences in movies that I would like to reexperience without knowing how they will wind up. Safe Haven tops that list.
Storm Drain - V/H/S 94
The universe features recognizable and iconic segments galore, but not many well-known creatures (Siren from Amateur Night, The Glitch from Tuesday the 17th and... stop counting).
Nonetheless, the fourth installment succeeds in creating monsters that are now iconic and can be recognized (to the extent that getting an own movie is not far-fetched at all). For instance the Vampire in Terror and the all-mighty-acid-spitting Raatma. Storm Drain is the perfect way to start the series' reboot and its monster ranks high up for best and scariest creature design. Hail Raatma.
Slumber Party Alien Abduction - V/H/S 2
Aliens are no strangers in the Found Footage format (not even in movies). And despite being addressed poorly in countless occasions (Area 51, The Rejected, etc.), some potrayals exceed expectations and offer a very thrilling and scary experience (The McPherson Tape/Alien Abduction and this segment right here).
Slumber Party Alien Abduction is the perfect way to end an untouchable second entry on a very high note. Thrilling, intense and scary in equal measure. Oh, and if you love doggos, abstain yourself from checking it out.
Watch V/H/S 99 here: https://ww6.0123movie.net/movie/v-h-s-99-1630854323.html
